McIlroy takes European Tour earnings beyond €30 million

Rory McIlroy with the Irish Open trophy

Rory McIlroy smashed the European Tour’s €30m barrier with his amazing Dubai Duty Free Irish Open win.

But while the Holywood ace is now the second biggest money winner in the history of the circuit with €30,200,225 — just €2m behind top dog Lee Westwood —  it’s majors and big titles he craves.

After slashing the Race to Dubai lead of Masters champion Danny Willett just over €790,000, McIlroy’s set his sights on the three remaining majors.

Wee Mac said: “I am excited. I kept saying, I am close, I am close. I felt like I needed a week like this to kickstart something and as I said at the start of the week, no better place than here at home in Ireland to do it. 

“I can’t wait for the summer coming up. My game is in great shape and hopefully this is the catapult into another great summer.”

McIlroy heads back to the US for next week’s Memorial Tournament before getting ready of the US Open at Oakmont, the Open at Royal Troon, the US PGA at Baltusrol and a crack at Olympic gold.

He added: “I kept telling myself, kept telling anyone that would listen that my game was close. It was just a matter of everything clicking. 

“Maybe those last three holes today is the catalyst for another big summer.

“I really feel like my game is in good enough shape to kick on from here and to challenge in the three final majors, and obviously everything else we have to play for this year, Olympics, Ryder Cup, Race to Dubai, FedExCup.”

With Willett collapsing in the back nine by coming home in 42 to end up 23rd and earn “just” €39,800, McIlroy is now the favourite to win his fourth European money title in five years.

While he remains third in the world, McIlroy said: “This is huge for me for The Race to Dubai this year. Danny did me a favour on the back nine today, as well. 

“Creeping up on him in The Race to Dubai, World Ranking points, it's all good stuff. Hopefully I can kick on from here.”